tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40837520866273897002024-02-07T12:38:57.045+00:00The Property Sales PeopleNews, opinion and information on the local & national property market and David Clark & Company. We write about selling, buying, marketing, mortgaging and all matters property related - and some not!David Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14109683106481828089noreply@blogger.comBlogger128125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083752086627389700.post-2218612787274911862022-08-05T14:06:00.002+01:002022-08-05T14:25:54.671+01:00<p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 30px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Interest rates and inflation</b></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">First of all, let’s get some basics together. Reproduced below is The Times ‘explainer’ with my numbering of reasons and highlighting of the players involved:</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>The Bank of England has warned that it could peak at 13% this year when the </i><span class="s1" style="color: black;"><i>energy price cap</i></span><i> goes up again. But what is pushing up prices?</i></p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i style="color: #222222;">Energy bills are by far one of the biggest contributors. </i><span style="color: red;"><span class="s2"><i>(1)</i></span><i> </i></span><i style="color: #222222;">Gas prices rocketed as economies around the world reopened after the </i><span class="s3" style="color: #04ff00;"><i>coronavirus</i></span><i style="color: #222222;"> lockdowns. </i><span class="s2" style="color: red;"><i>(2)</i></span><i style="color: #222222;"> The </i><span class="s4" style="color: #53d52a;"><i>war in Ukraine</i></span><i style="color: #222222;"> has exacerbated the problem.</i></p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i style="color: #222222;">In April, average gas and electricity prices jumped by 53.5% and 95.5% respectively compared with a year ago. </i><span style="color: red;"><span class="s2"><i>(3)</i></span><i> </i></span><i style="color: #222222;">Average energy bills are now forecast to hit £3,850 by January 2023 after </i><span class="s4"><i><span style="color: #04ff00;">Russia cut gas supplies</span> </i></span><i style="color: #222222;">further.</i></p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>Fuel remains at </i><span class="s1" style="color: black;"><i>some of the highest levels seen on record, although pump prices are falling, slowly</i></span><i>. Average petrol prices were 182.69p a litre in July . In early June you could expect to pay 186.59p. In May you could expect to pay 160.31p per litre. A year earlier, it was just 130.5p.</i></p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i style="color: #222222;">Food items such as wheat and oil have also taken a hit. Supply chain issues have been compounded by the </i><span class="s4" style="color: #04ff00;"><i>Ukraine war</i></span><i><span style="color: #04ff00;"> </span><span style="color: #222222;">in recent months, further impacting our access to supplies.</span></i></p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>Analysts warn food prices could rise by 15% this year.</i></p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>According to the Office for National Statistics, restaurants and hotel prices are also going up.</i></p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: red;"><span class="s2"><i>(4)</i></span><i> </i></span><i style="color: #222222;">The</i><span class="s4"><i> <span style="color: #04ff00;">rate of VAT</span></i></span><i style="color: #222222;"> (the tax paid when buying goods and services) has increased for some businesses now that a temporary tax cut during the pandemic has ended.</i></p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i style="color: #222222;">Air passenger duty and vehicle </i><span class="s4"><i><span style="color: #04ff00;">excise duty rates also increased</span> </i></span><i style="color: #222222;">affecting travellers and commuters.</i></p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>And smaller increases have been seen in items like postage stamps and furniture.</i></p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>For homeowners, while the Bank of England is attempting to raise rates by </i><span class="s1" style="color: black;"><i>cooling inflation</i></span><i>, more than a million homeowners are seeing their mortgage rise in response.</i></p><p class="p5" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p6" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Inflation has been stoked up by items 1 - 4 and I list them for clarity: Coronavirus, war in Ukraine,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Russia, VAT, and excise duties.</p><p class="p7" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><br /></p><p class="p6" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The Bank of England’s unimaginative response is to put up interest rates when the causes are not controlled by anything to do with the UK public or anything that the UK public are able to change by experiencing increased costs for their mortgage, car loans and general levels of indebtedness! Does sucking additional money out of your bank account mean you have any effect on President Putin’s attitude to the world order, the control of an essential recovery after COVID or the imposition of higher taxes and I would include National Insurance in that.</p><p class="p7" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><br /></p><p class="p6" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Interest rates are, in my opinion, the bluntest tool any government can use. (Property market 1988 - 1990) They never quite know when to stop applying increases as the lag between raising the rate and seeing its impact is random.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You know when you have gone plenty far enough when repossessions start to rise and the benefits budget lurches upwards.</p><p class="p7" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><br /></p><p class="p6" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">We were until recently in the grip of the greatest threat to our economy: COVID19. Government spent a fortune on keeping people employed, their mortgages paid, companies in business, and in general propping everything up. I don’t disagree that the expenditure needs to be repaid and the coffers re-filled, but don’t use interest rates to take apart all the things you spent so much money preserving!</p><p class="p7" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><br /></p><p class="p6" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I’ll be the first to point out that I haven’t proposed a solution and that giving the Russians in Ukraine the biggest hiding they’ve ever had is probably not<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>a sensible solution. So much stems from events that affect our now global economy that the thinking needs to be wider than just one country’s interest rates.</p>David Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14109683106481828089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083752086627389700.post-20853563543653596732022-07-22T10:16:00.000+01:002022-07-22T10:22:29.518+01:00It's July 2022!<p> How many bloggers find that it's only something they do when they have found some time to fill, for whatever reason? I admit that there are companies and individuals who will write something for me on a regular basis, but my feeling is that it needs to be authentic and my 'voice'. When I get back to my keyboard to do this it makes me worry that the market may be changing and we'll need to start adapting again to new circumstances, new problems and constraints.</p><p>The dreaded COVID has not gone away, just adapted itself. My wife Janet managed to pick it up from her 93 year old father after spending several hours with him coughing and sneezing on the way back from a trip to Wales. Her first time contracting it since the pandemic began and it's been 4 days now since she tested positive. My results are negative. I told my colleagues that's because I'm a 64 year old Teflon coated estate agent! But then, who knows when a variant particularly targeted at the property flogging community will appear as it appears to be just as adaptable as us.</p><p>July is coming to an end and sales-wise (subject to contract) it's been a good month, despite the 2 day heat wave. The sales have in the main come from new listings so it's still a 'hand to mouth' existence. The sales pipeline is growing nicely but it is a bit like squeezing a toothpaste tube with the lid firmly screwed on in terms of getting contracts exchanged. I'm not going to 100% blame solicitors, although some seem to operate in the same way they were at the height of the pandemic: office doors closed, communication by email only or no communication at all. Have lenders introduced a new way of slowing the inflow and outflow of funds? Let's ask even more idiotic questions just so our boxes can get ticked.</p><p>Some commentators are talking about sales falling through due to cost of living rises: fuel, electricity/gas, mortgage rates etc. We've seen competitors remarking properties that have been sale agreed for up to 9 months plus. Far from it being economic pressure I think it's more to do with buyers getting fed up with waiting and being enticed by new listings to the market and frustration with their purchase not progressing. As we keep telling people it's not just agreeing a sale, it's progressing that deal and keeping everyone informed and updated. Our software has a a system built in called 'Propertyfile' that sellers and buyers can register on. This will keep them posted with the latest marketing activity, viewing arrangements made, feed back and sales progression. Having said that there is still no substitute for a phone call and a chat.</p><p>The market also still seems to be sustaining a Righmove/Zoopla obsession. People have alerts set up that send them an email when a listing goes live. They hit their email response straight away as Fomo sets in and their anxiety and blood pressure rises. They are doing this at 9pm in the evening but they are on the phone at 9:02am to ask if we've organised their viewing yet? The other problem seems to be they don't actually read what's on the portal or look at the floor plan. I raised this with Rightmove as they have a very pale link that says 'Read more' at the end of the initial description and bullet points. 8/10 seem to miss this and don't see the Council Tax band, EPC rating, tenure, brochure link, full description with dimensions. I asked Rightmove if they could make the link to this information bigger and bolder or even a button to click. Apparently their developers will look into it at some point. In the meantime we'll field dozens of enquiries and viewing requests from people who aren't really interested at all. Perhaps the resistance to do anything about it might stem from its potential impact on their click-rate!</p><p>Our new homes are selling well and we have some new developments about to go live to the market.</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>9 large detached bungalows in Fordham Road, Isleham</li><li>4 detached homes in Wilburton backing onto farmland</li><li>6 terrace/end terrace 3 bed houses in Newmarket.</li><li>9 properties in Wicken (2 houses and 7 bungalows)</li><li>4 new homes in Ely Road, Littleport.</li><li>5 detached 4 and 5 bed houses at Kirtling</li></ul><div>Watch our website for pre-release information.</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd4NPB1UFWG2tFxl_D17_5S4Q2fYF3s9tqOx3NlY1nPFWNG8Sc7vuBTiuyuHCO0Xhz6-uNeq-s0UUg1iIPmcODVi6Ho7UUPkf3VjRnKvjieBMou0hJklfxp49eTow4f5klDaKVv5UCbjM1NwqAGAErEvlg80OxsocK4cBPa9B-MbCtmBvcvT71wrM9nw/s3840/WILBURTON_PLOT%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd4NPB1UFWG2tFxl_D17_5S4Q2fYF3s9tqOx3NlY1nPFWNG8Sc7vuBTiuyuHCO0Xhz6-uNeq-s0UUg1iIPmcODVi6Ho7UUPkf3VjRnKvjieBMou0hJklfxp49eTow4f5klDaKVv5UCbjM1NwqAGAErEvlg80OxsocK4cBPa9B-MbCtmBvcvT71wrM9nw/w400-h225/WILBURTON_PLOT%201.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plot 1, Wilburton</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3kEwViCZGat3oixqT0-L_9iGEtXH3EcI4zsh7zfTIl4juspIf6nB6fBZEGc0SrvRkUWkwY6brqiFyYlo8zyk-5X2Wmvuv6E9vlyoasYleIl2z-Fl7pM8ERlTGevYxcHflR4sGoJfjYH3i0fS-XFHrc0jMsxFseqE3hdREj9F-aY8ms6p0rwdJ0GHrA/s3840/PLOT%203%20002A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3kEwViCZGat3oixqT0-L_9iGEtXH3EcI4zsh7zfTIl4juspIf6nB6fBZEGc0SrvRkUWkwY6brqiFyYlo8zyk-5X2Wmvuv6E9vlyoasYleIl2z-Fl7pM8ERlTGevYxcHflR4sGoJfjYH3i0fS-XFHrc0jMsxFseqE3hdREj9F-aY8ms6p0rwdJ0GHrA/w400-h225/PLOT%203%20002A.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plot 3, Kirtling</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><p></p>David Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14109683106481828089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083752086627389700.post-77842644637340817612020-04-23T07:44:00.000+01:002020-04-23T07:44:21.505+01:00What about afterwards?It seems hard to believe that this COVID19 situation has been with us for just over 4 weeks. It actually feels like at least 2 months.<br />
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If you can bear to watch the daily briefings from the government without reaching for a razor blade then you will be hearing that, just maybe, we are reaching the apex of the death rate curve and, just maybe, there will be a relaxation of movement and a return to economic activity by most of us, subject to social distancing, masks etc.<br />
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From a property market point of view, I've been decrying the gloom merchants who have been talking about 16% price falls. This is for reasons that beyond economics, people go their own way and predicting human sentiment to situations is not an exact science.<br />
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I came across this article by a well-respected commentator called Roger Martin-Fagg who seems to see things my way - or I see things his way! You have the time available so I recommend that if you want a spoonful of positivity then read this post:<br />
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<a href="https://propertyacademy.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020_RMF_March_Economic_Update.pdf" style="font-family: -webkit-standard; text-size-adjust: auto;" title="https://propertyacademy.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020_RMF_March_Economic_Update.pdf">https://propertyacademy.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020_RMF_March_Economic_Update.pdf</a>David Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14109683106481828089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083752086627389700.post-11568864324587128072020-04-08T18:29:00.001+01:002020-04-08T18:29:24.802+01:00Live Q & A on Rightmove for everybody who rentsRenting? Helpful information here: <a href="https://www.rightmove.co.uk/news/articles/property-news/renting-and-not-sure-what-to-do-sign-up-for-our-new-webinar/?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=sharing&utm_campaign=news">https://www.rightmove.co.uk/news/articles/property-news/renting-and-not-sure-what-to-do-sign-up-for-our-new-webinar/?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=sharing&utm_campaign=news</a>David Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14109683106481828089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083752086627389700.post-87088271542058005822020-04-02T11:29:00.000+01:002020-04-02T11:29:15.327+01:00My Job has gone, how do I pay my rent?<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These are unusual, dare I say unprecedented times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">People are losing jobs and being laid off or ‘furloughed’. The latter is an American word and the best definition I’ve found is:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #303336; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.15pt; padding: 0cm;">1: </span></strong><span class="dttext"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #303336; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.15pt; padding: 0cm;">to grant a leave of absence or </span></span><a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/furlough#h1" style="color: #954f72;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #265667; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.15pt; padding: 0cm;">furlough</span></a><span class="dttext"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #303336; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.15pt; padding: 0cm;"> to (someone)</span></span><span class="ex-sent"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #225f73; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.15pt; padding: 0cm;">a soldier being </span></span><span class="mwtwi"><i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #225f73; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.15pt; padding: 0cm;">furloughed, </span></i></span><span class="ex-sent"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #225f73; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.15pt; padding: 0cm;">a </span></span><span class="mwtwi"><i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #225f73; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.15pt; padding: 0cm;">furloughed</span></i></span><span class="ex-sent"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #225f73; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.15pt; padding: 0cm;"> prisoner</span></span><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #212529; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.15pt; padding: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="num"><b><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #212529; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.15pt; padding: 0cm;">2</span></b></span><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #303336; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.15pt; padding: 0cm;">: </span></strong><span class="dttext"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #303336; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.15pt; padding: 0cm;">to put (a worker) on furlough:</span></span><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #303336; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.15pt; padding: 0cm;"> </span></strong><span class="dttext"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #303336; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.15pt; padding: 0cm;">to lay off (a worker) for usually a brief or temporary period</span></span><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #212529; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.15pt; padding: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Apparently, the earliest use of the word as in case 2 was 1781 !<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At least in the 2020 use of the word government are proposing in the UK to pay furloughed workers 80% of their basic pay. The employer needs to pay it then claim it back from HMRC. But not everyone is that fortunate and the self-employed have a more difficult route to follow although they are intended to be supported.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xt_3eiNOMiQbZUANOp1W1vy5h0pG-E-Q9cjL29q1oFx_oxkzTjlB8pi2EC1VoWpU-f1r9fX13Ti2moc22VJgmajQMlfp0MPqGPJ8xT9SsZaSaBS_YHDABfpQrLU9KxyD53xDYdAeviNa/s1600/Screenshot+2020-04-02+at+11.23.04.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1268" data-original-width="1600" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xt_3eiNOMiQbZUANOp1W1vy5h0pG-E-Q9cjL29q1oFx_oxkzTjlB8pi2EC1VoWpU-f1r9fX13Ti2moc22VJgmajQMlfp0MPqGPJ8xT9SsZaSaBS_YHDABfpQrLU9KxyD53xDYdAeviNa/s320/Screenshot+2020-04-02+at+11.23.04.png" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are a tenant, then we recommend you visit the following webpages: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus" style="color: #954f72;"></a><u><span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Scroll past the black background page to page 2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="position: relative; z-index: 251660288;"><span style="height: 17px; left: -50px; position: absolute; top: -203px; width: 8px;"><img height="17" src="file:////Users/davidmclark/Library/Group%20Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/TemporaryItems/msohtmlclip/clip_image003.png" v:shapes="Ink_x0020_4" width="8" /></span></span>These are the relevant links. Check out what you can obtain and where you need to go to seek further advice.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Also: </span><a href="https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/out-of-work-checklist-things-to-do-if-you-lose-your-job" style="color: #954f72;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/out-of-work-checklist-things-to-do-if-you-lose-your-job</span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">When you have checked out your personal position please then call us</span></div>
David Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14109683106481828089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083752086627389700.post-18517483720981937152020-03-31T08:10:00.001+01:002020-03-31T08:10:40.401+01:00Law Society Advises Conveyancers If you would like to see what your conveyancer is being advised by the Law Society on how to deal with transactions at the present time follow this link:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/support-services/advice/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-and-residential-conveyancing-transactions/">https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/support-services/advice/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-and-residential-conveyancing-transactions/</a>David Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14109683106481828089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083752086627389700.post-16315760029011092402020-03-27T07:30:00.002+00:002020-03-27T07:30:48.115+00:00Latest Government Advice on Home MovingThe following link will take you to that advice:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/government-advice-on-home-moving-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #d32229; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; outline: 0px;">https://www.gov.uk/guidance/government-advice-on-home-moving-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak</a>David Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14109683106481828089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083752086627389700.post-70457720293729295262020-03-23T22:48:00.001+00:002020-03-23T22:48:55.444+00:00Updated Policy Statement on COVID19Please see the previous blogpost which has been updated following this evenings statement by the PM, Boris Johnson.David Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14109683106481828089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083752086627389700.post-81290869052944163912020-03-22T11:11:00.001+00:002020-03-23T22:54:02.640+00:00Week Commencing 22nd March 2020<div align="center" class="MsoTitle" style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 28pt; letter-spacing: -0.5pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 36pt;">COVID19 / CORONA VIRUS<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-size: 28pt;">PLEASE READ<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">The office is closed to walk-in visitors in the interest of staff safety.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">We are OPEN in terms of telephone contact on <b>01353 665020</b> or via email<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="mailto:sales@clarkhomes.co.uk" style="color: #954f72;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">sales@clarkhomes.co.uk</span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="mailto:lettings@clarkhomes.co.uk" style="color: #954f72;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">lettings@clarkhomes.co.uk</span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Direct staff emails are </span><a href="mailto:firstname@clarkhomes.co.uk" style="color: #954f72;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">firstname@clarkhomes.co.uk</span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Website: </span><a href="https://clarkhomes.co.uk/" style="color: #954f72;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">https://clarkhomes.co.uk</span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Plus, all the major portals like Rightmove, Zoopla, OnTheMarket.Com etc<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">If you need to collect keys, we have members of staff who can be in the office, but you will need to make contact by phone first.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>No accompanied viewings and no face-to-face valuations. We can discuss the automated online valuation available from our website</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 24pt;">Please bear with us as we try to navigate this unprecedented national emergency<o:p></o:p></span></div>
David Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14109683106481828089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083752086627389700.post-47673060348026258252020-03-16T11:38:00.000+00:002020-03-23T22:44:24.180+00:00CORONA VIRUS - Statement & Policy<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: HelveticaNeueW01-45Ligh; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;">
We have been monitoring the developments surrounding the spread of the Covid-19 virus. To protect our clients, customers, contractors and team members it is important that we have in place a policy as to how we mitigate the risks surrounding the impact of the virus. Boris Johnson’s message this evening has generated an update.</div>
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The following will be reviewed in line with government recommendations as announced.</div>
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<li style="line-height: 1.5; padding-bottom: 10px;"><b>Rental</b> <strong>property visits and sales valuations </strong>will be postponed from 24th March 2020.</li>
<li style="line-height: 1.5; padding-bottom: 10px;"><b>Sales & Rental V</b><strong>iewings</strong> will be postponed from 24th March 2020</li>
<li style="line-height: 1.5; padding-bottom: 10px;"><strong>Maintenance requests</strong> will continue to be dealt with as outlined in the Tenant Information Pack, unless tenant(s) or occupiers advise of health conditions.</li>
<li style="line-height: 1.5; padding-bottom: 10px;">Where staff are required to self-isolate they will be given the tools to work from home, allowing us to be able to continue their pay.</li>
<li style="line-height: 1.5; padding-bottom: 10px;">In the current circumstances where we have chosen to close the office, we will still be able to operate the business from home-based locations. Access to keys will be restricted due to location, tenants will need to be available for maintenance appointments (where they have no symptoms). Should this be necessary we will send out an update.</li>
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The safety and health of our employees and those whom we come into contact with is very important. We will do all that we can to minimise the impact of Covid-19.</div>
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<strong>Symptoms of Covid-19</strong></div>
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<li style="line-height: 1.5; padding-bottom: 10px;">Dry cough</li>
<li style="line-height: 1.5; padding-bottom: 10px;">High temperature/fever</li>
<li style="line-height: 1.5; padding-bottom: 10px;">Shortness of breath</li>
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<strong>How to Protect Yourself from Covid-19</strong></div>
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<li style="line-height: 1.5; padding-bottom: 10px;">Regular handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.</li>
<li style="line-height: 1.5; padding-bottom: 10px;">Using hand sanitiser gel regularly</li>
<li style="line-height: 1.5; padding-bottom: 10px;">Cover your mouth or nose with a tissue when coughing/sneezing or sneeze into your elbow</li>
<li style="line-height: 1.5; padding-bottom: 10px;">Put used tissues in a sealed bin as soon as possible</li>
<li style="line-height: 1.5; padding-bottom: 10px;">Avoid close contact with others who are unwell</li>
<li style="line-height: 1.5; padding-bottom: 10px;">Avoid touching your face</li>
</ul>
David Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14109683106481828089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083752086627389700.post-5811565166756446952020-02-19T07:43:00.000+00:002020-02-19T07:43:27.242+00:00More Regulation for Landlords
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<span style="font-size: small;">New electrical safety regulations were presented before Parliament last month.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The move by the Government will strengthen electrical safety practices and bring them into line with those </span><span style="font-size: small;">already well established within gas safety regulations in private residential tenancies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The regulations, if implemented, will only affect private residential tenancies – first, new tenancies from July 1 </span><span style="font-size: small;">this year, and those tenancies already in existence from April 1, 2021.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The proposal will move to ensure all electrical wiring and fixed electrical installations are signed off and </span><span style="font-size: small;">reported by a qualified electrician.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This report will be required to be shown at the outset of every new tenancy and renewed at least every five </span><span style="font-size: small;">years, if not earlier, dependent on any electrics or fixed electrical installations that are altered or changed by </span><span style="font-size: small;">the landlord. </span><span style="font-size: small;">If the report highlights any issues, the landlord will be required to remedy the issue within 28 days or sooner </span><span style="font-size: small;">dependent on the recommendation within the report.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">If the landlord does not comply with the recommendations made in the report, and this is notified to the local </span><span style="font-size: small;">authority, the council has the power to issue a potential fine of up to £30,000. </span><span style="font-size: small;">The council will also be granted the power to carry out the recommended works and seek to impose the costs </span><span style="font-size: small;">of such actions on to the landlord along with the potential fine of up to £30,000. The most likely route would </span><span style="font-size: small;">be that the local authority will look to serve a further notice of 28 days for the landlord to carry out the </span><span style="font-size: small;">specified works, before looking to impose further actions and potential fines.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Landlords and their agents will need to ensure their properties are compliant with the regulation for any new </span><span style="font-size: small;">tenancy, and it is possible we may see more properties coming on to the market for sale if landlords are </span><span style="font-size: small;">unable or unwilling to comply with the regulations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The regulations seek to ensure that the policing is self-compliant, with landlords and letting agents unable to </span><span style="font-size: small;">market a property without the appropriate electrical report.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Is this fair? Yes, as safety is key. While the policy is aimed at those worst offending landlords who may </span><span style="font-size: small;">undertake illegal electrical works, all landlords must now pick up the mantle and ensure their properties are safe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Extracted from Property Industry Eye 19 February 2020</b></i></span></div>
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<i>We will shortly be writing to all our landlord clients suggesting they get ahead of the regulations and organise testing and possibly repair now before the regulations create a log-jam with electricians unable to deal with the volume of work to comply in time.</i>David Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14109683106481828089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083752086627389700.post-89000180252468605062020-01-22T07:44:00.000+00:002020-01-22T07:44:09.850+00:00Every little helps<div id="hzroot6428053" style="border: 0; font-size: 12px; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center; width: 300px;">
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<a href="https://www.houzz.co.uk/magazine/how-to-be-more-green-when-you-clean-stsetivw-vs~129762562" target="_blank">How to Be More Green When You Clean</a></div>
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<iframe border="0" data-hzvt="MjAyMDAxMjE6NDEzOTp2aWV3R2FsbGVyeQ==" frameborder="0" id="HouzzWidget6406168" name="HouzzWidget6406168" scrolling="NO" src="https://www.houzz.co.uk/jsGalleryWidget/gallery/129762562//new_window=yes/title_on=yes/width=300" style="border: 0 none; height: 275px; width: 300px;"></iframe></div>
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David Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14109683106481828089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083752086627389700.post-5115947649637645442020-01-12T08:07:00.000+00:002020-01-12T08:07:06.659+00:00Renewable Heating - What's Best?<div id="hzroot4566966" style="border: 0; font-size: 12px; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center; width: 300px;">
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<a href="https://www.houzz.co.uk/magazine/which-renewable-heating-system-should-i-choose-stsetivw-vs~129230100" target="_blank">Which Renewable Heating System Should I Choose?</a></div>
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<iframe border="0" data-hzvt="MjAyMDAxMTI6NDEzMjp2aWV3R2FsbGVyeQ==" frameborder="0" id="HouzzWidget1753003" name="HouzzWidget1753003" scrolling="NO" src="https://www.houzz.co.uk/jsGalleryWidget/gallery/129230100//new_window=yes/title_on=yes/width=300" style="border: 0 none; height: 275px; width: 300px;"></iframe></div>
</div>
David Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14109683106481828089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083752086627389700.post-12978062890199197992019-11-25T14:04:00.001+00:002019-12-28T13:40:53.084+00:00CHRISTMAS 2019 - RENTAL HOMES<div class="Default" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;">
<b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">CHRISTMAS 2019<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">The festive season is not far off and we just wanted to take this opportunity to confirm our opening hours over the Christmas holiday period and also to outline a few procedures:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">We will close for the holiday period at<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b>Midday on 23rd December</b>. Opening on<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b>27th and 28th December between 9am and 1pm</b>. We will open normally from<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b>2nd January 2020 at 09.00</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Day to day issues which could wait until normal office hours resume on the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b>2nd January 2020</b>, should be reported then.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Our contractors may be on call but many of their suppliers close down over the Christmas period so parts can be hard to locate. We will not attend any “lockouts” over the Christmas break but can pass on the details of a good local locksmith if this occurs – the cost of which will, of course, be yours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">A small request<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">– if you have<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><u>any</u><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>problems with your heating and hot water now or maybe an appliance that is a bit temperamental and you have been meaning to report the fault but have not had a chance to –<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b>PLEASE DO SO NOW<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b>before the Christmas period begins.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Trying to get an oven fixed on Christmas Eve is almost impossible, so if yours is giving you trouble now we may still have time to fix it in time for the festive period!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">For those of you going away over Christmas, we would just like to request the following:-</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">1. The temperature can drop very unexpectedly and we request that you do leave your heating on timed to tick over at least once if not twice a day. If you have a “frost setting” on your thermostat then please use it or if not then may we request that you leave the heating just high enough to allow the radiators to heat up. There is nothing worse than dealing with the consequences of frozen pipes and our experience with insurance companies is if the heating is not left on they will not always cover damage caused. If you have electric heating this is less relevant as you will not have pipes or a tank that can freeze.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">2. Do make sure that you have left the property secure with all windows and doors locked. There are many opportunists out there at this time of year. It can be worth considering leaving a light on a timed mechanism if you have one.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">3. Security alarms; If you have a security alarm that is operational please advise us if you are going to be setting this. We will also need the alarm code. If the alarm goes off due to a fault while you are away, the local council has a right under Noise Pollution laws to force entry to the property and disconnect the device. They do run a register where we can supply our contact details to them in such cases and this would then hopefully prevent the need for forced entry. If you have an alarm and do not advise of this and it goes off, it is possible for us to pass on the associated costs to you in the event of forced entry occurring.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">We would like to finally take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy Christmas & Prosperous New Year.</span></div>
David Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14109683106481828089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083752086627389700.post-23690829032044919052019-11-21T14:38:00.000+00:002019-11-21T14:43:58.390+00:00Sweeties from the Political Parties?<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the run-up to the General Election on 12th December 2019, we are being offered incentives by the political parties that are wonderful at first glance but are want to raise eyebrows on further scrutiny.<br /><br />I won't get into 'Free Broadband for All' but couldn't let the manifesto pledge of 100,000 social/affordable homes pass by without comment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Housebuilder News reported on 21st November:</span><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Labour plans to build 100,000 council homes a year by the end of 2024 according to its election manifesto published today.</span></b></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKT0vUy-g3KWSrpMGHaO8LM2u84pFqHR7Crgh9-ZsnOACT61-pzv6JX_BvYNDCKcU_K44BcZaJ0hRPBL-r4l6gnCZTMMS_yoNjgsa5960NhzmZryFZsuB_LVlfY7D_gkNvheUNtJXyVNR/s1600/42ca7a2b85e4af86cedfc500199557cf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="650" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKT0vUy-g3KWSrpMGHaO8LM2u84pFqHR7Crgh9-ZsnOACT61-pzv6JX_BvYNDCKcU_K44BcZaJ0hRPBL-r4l6gnCZTMMS_yoNjgsa5960NhzmZryFZsuB_LVlfY7D_gkNvheUNtJXyVNR/s200/42ca7a2b85e4af86cedfc500199557cf.jpg" width="146" /></a><i><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It will also build “at least” 50,000 additional genuinely affordable homes a year through housing associations by the end of the parliament</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The party says the homes will be built to cutting edge design and green standards citing the Stirling Prize award-winning Goldsmith Street council development in Norwich as an example of what Labour’s modern council housing could look like.</span></b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Goldsmith Street scheme in Norwich has been built to PassiveHaus standards and comprises a 1.2ha/2.96 acre site with 93 dwellings (45 houses and 48 apartments). The total cost of this scheme has been quoted as £17.3 million pounds and it is suggested by RIBA that PassiveHaus adds 10-15% to build costs. They further report that build-costs equate to £1,875 / sq m.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you relate these build costs to the pledged 100,000 homes and if you assume similar specifications and sizes to the Goldsmith Street scheme then the cost of building these homes would be £18,562,50,000 - or <span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">eighteen billion five hundred sixty-two million five hundred thousand pounds</span>. There is no land cost added to this which in the case of the Norwich development I'd guess at £50,000 per plot which adds £465,000 to the overall costs. There is no allowance for finance costs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Where is the £18.5 billion going to come from each year up to 2024?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Where is the land to build these homes on going to come from and how will it be purchased?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What's going to happen to the usual planning conditions such as archaeological investigation and contamination? Recent land transactions we are aware of have seen archaeology costs spiral from £10,000 to £90,000!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Looking at this from another angle how will the UK building industry manage to actually build an additional 100,000 homes each year? That's 8,333 each and every month.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Knight Frank's Residential Research department produce a Housebuilding Report and the most recent for 2018 is available at <a href="https://www.knightfrank.com/research/uk-housebuilding-report-2018-5680.aspx">https://www.knightfrank.com/research/uk-housebuilding-report-2018-5680.aspx</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The report details the UK housebuilding industry's forecast for the year and the underlying trends. After reading it and factoring in modern construction methods using off-site build I'm still dubious that the industry can actually build an additional 100,000 homes.</span></div>
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David Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14109683106481828089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083752086627389700.post-87154841264458073712019-10-24T16:54:00.000+01:002019-10-24T16:54:01.723+01:00Getting You Ready To Move!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBd6L4KdgGSFhXnxAipYheFiqzvJDgIcQkiSOwph2LgPhlc4LdkUckewQAy7j1w8zQWT7q0EoCz9YKtlJwf4QfjyU4j9bCIZkW-if2iRwi0r1G8qEehsvqpnpFJc8eubw1yF6I5ya_29GA/s1600/Scanned+from+a+Xerox+Multifunction+Printer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1124" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBd6L4KdgGSFhXnxAipYheFiqzvJDgIcQkiSOwph2LgPhlc4LdkUckewQAy7j1w8zQWT7q0EoCz9YKtlJwf4QfjyU4j9bCIZkW-if2iRwi0r1G8qEehsvqpnpFJc8eubw1yF6I5ya_29GA/s640/Scanned+from+a+Xerox+Multifunction+Printer.jpg" width="448" /></a></div>
<br />David Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14109683106481828089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083752086627389700.post-32678273006913101742019-10-22T18:41:00.000+01:002019-10-22T18:41:20.048+01:00London price falls affect regional marketsZoopla research, powered by Hometrack, provides some interesting insights as to how the London market 'ups and downs' affect our market here in East Anglia and the South East.<br />
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If you were wondering why your home may not be getting the interest that creates a sale then read the report. There is an encouraging end interpretation as to where this is leading that proposes better prospects for late 2019 and 2020 onwards.<br />
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<a href="https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn%3Aaaid%3Ascds%3AUS%3A69dc4948-124d-4879-b3d8-2e48f5ba8555">https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn%3Aaaid%3Ascds%3AUS%3A69dc4948-124d-4879-b3d8-2e48f5ba8555</a><br />
<br />David Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14109683106481828089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083752086627389700.post-56119917577248502292019-09-22T07:35:00.000+01:002019-09-22T07:35:44.712+01:00Updating your home's electrics?<div id="hzroot9776990" style="border: 0; font-size: 12px; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center; width: 480px;">
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<a href="https://www.houzz.co.uk/ideabooks/124456561/thumbs/4-questions-you-must-ask-if-youre-updating-your-homes-electrics" target="_blank">4 Questions You Must Ask if You’re Updating Your Home’s Electrics</a></div>
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David Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14109683106481828089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083752086627389700.post-26083588605183988682019-09-19T09:50:00.000+01:002019-09-19T09:50:52.176+01:00'New' Team at David Clark and Company, Ely<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="s1">October 2019 saw the ‘new’ team at David Clark & Co estate agents taking shape in order to strongly finish a year characterised by concerns over Brexit, Stamp Duty, slow sales and a government ripped apart by leadership struggles.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>This</b> ‘Cabinet’ is made up of only strong members.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1">David Clark, as an independent estate agent, has been in Ely for nearly 30 years and began his agency career here 40 years ago.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Barbara Harding has worked with David for over 20 years. She has an intimate knowledge of the area and is well known by the local conveyancing lawyers. Want your sale to go through? Put your trust in Barbara’s sale progression skills!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Aimee Wing has been with the firm for over two years. Currently the youngest team member but she has worked locally for 2 corporate estate agents and can now boast over 7 years experience, valuing and selling local homes.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Don Wheeler moved to David Clark and Co Lettings about a year ago and moved home from Suffolk to Sutton.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Mature and knowledgable, but with easy humour to handle the job of liaising with Landlords and tenants.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Our latest addition is someone returning to the firm after working for a well known ‘Country’ and upmarket homes agent in Cambridge for 15 years. Ashley Gwynn is most definitely a local having lived in Ely all his life. He had a 5-year spell with David at Clark & Stewart then spread his wings, but is now back with us. A great depth of experience that you should tap into to achieve the best price for your property.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>TRUSTED<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b></span><span class="s2"><b> .</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s1"> <b>KNOWLEDGEABLE</b> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2"><b>. </b></span><span class="s1"><b>LOCAL</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2"><b>. </b></span><span class="s3"><b>INDEPENDENT</b></span></div>
<br />David Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14109683106481828089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083752086627389700.post-49338882291981010802019-02-03T09:15:00.001+00:002019-02-03T09:15:56.631+00:008 Station Road, Ely, CB7 4BS<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4e1D61aIUpw" width="480"></iframe>David Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14109683106481828089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083752086627389700.post-82606731734623861012015-02-09T20:47:00.001+00:002015-02-09T20:47:11.549+00:00 Thinking of taking your pension as a lump sum? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFoWc9CLIR9KZRK87lcSVTbkBsBoVlchpVKc_0iIgIZmAqFi7ATiGP9zYUoH7Szbu0JVOsxQXPbP_zjSWYIqzDUaVA_2xkvTlrWKUkbedslHrcD4nYmzMbV3dyZL-4CKwvFqs5gX2KnGWZ/s1600/pension+savings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFoWc9CLIR9KZRK87lcSVTbkBsBoVlchpVKc_0iIgIZmAqFi7ATiGP9zYUoH7Szbu0JVOsxQXPbP_zjSWYIqzDUaVA_2xkvTlrWKUkbedslHrcD4nYmzMbV3dyZL-4CKwvFqs5gX2KnGWZ/s1600/pension+savings.jpg" height="152" width="200" /></a><span id="ctl00_CurrentWorkHolder_m_body">In March 2014 Chancellor of
the Exchequer George Osborne announced several radical changes to the
ways you can manage and access your pension. These changes were
confirmed in the Taxation of Pensions Bill published on October 14, and
will take effect from April 2015.</span><br />
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The new pension rules have been designed to give savers greater
control over their money going into retirement. The changes also abolish
pension 'death tax', cover free guidance for savers and new
restrictions on private pension contributions.<br />
<strong>If you are nearing retirement, it is important you take these changes into account.</strong><br />
<br />
The biggest change was the proposal to allow individuals aged 55 or
above to take the whole of their pension pot as a cash lump sum from
April this year.<br />
Currently, although you don’t have to buy an annuity with your
pension pot you are not allowed to withdraw it all as a lump sum unless
it falls under specific rules governing 'small pots'. There are a range
of options to choose from if your pension fund is not considered a
'small pot' – including buying an annuity.<br />
<br />
If you take all your pension pots as cash, you lose the option of
converting them into a regular retirement income – for example, by
buying an annuity. Cashing in your pension pots can also affect how much you’ll be
entitled to receive in state benefits when retired. For example, if you
boost your savings by taking your whole pension pot as a lump sum this
may reduce your entitlement to Pension Credit.<br />
<br />
<span id="ctl00_CurrentWorkHolder_m_body"><strong><em>We recommend that you take advice before deciding what to do. Also read <a href="http://bit.ly/1BVvhrq">http://bit.ly/1BVvhrq</a></em></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><em></em></strong>If you do decide to take all the 'pot' then
investing in a residential property to rent out has to be an option
worth considering<strong><em>.<br />
</em></strong><br />
In Ely the average 2 bedroom house is currently achieving rents
around £700 pcm. and gives an annual income of £8,400. The purchase
price of such a house would be in the region of £180,000. This is a
gross yield of 4.67%. If you take out management charges (these are
currently allowable against income tax) for the property at 10% plus
VAT then the income falls to £7,392 and the net yield before tax becomes
4.1%. Compare that with the best performing investments at the moment!
The other area to bear in mind is the potential for capital growth in
the value of the property although, perversely, this technically reduces
your yield.<br />
<br />
Maintenance and repairs are currently allowable against tax so boiler servicing etc are tax deductible<strong></strong><i><strong>.</strong></i><br />
As stated you should take professional advice on matters relating to
your pension arrangements but if you need any advice on property matters
we are here to help! Talk to the team about house purchase on Ely
665020 or specifically to Robert Mills about lettings and property
management.</span>David Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14109683106481828089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083752086627389700.post-11783461963273521042014-01-18T15:04:00.001+00:002014-01-18T15:04:31.858+00:00 The New Way to Market Your Property<div class="p1">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSlo4b0XKnB6Y7SxOZNjlKUiRbCSUBX-s4D22h5ehCpWkF-RgSMK1sn2uq-rSKzPhtcArK28rYU3FwlSOnw22GmmPblvqkXrEBONafDi8Kq5vfs8qdk0cfS3XzFeLEoXA5VMKE6Bb_Pmk9/s1600/macvideo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSlo4b0XKnB6Y7SxOZNjlKUiRbCSUBX-s4D22h5ehCpWkF-RgSMK1sn2uq-rSKzPhtcArK28rYU3FwlSOnw22GmmPblvqkXrEBONafDi8Kq5vfs8qdk0cfS3XzFeLEoXA5VMKE6Bb_Pmk9/s1600/macvideo.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
As a truly forward thinking and independent estate agency, David Clark is proud to be the only agent in the area with an innovative online TV channel: <a href="http://www.clarkhomes.tv/">www.clarkhomes.tv</a>.<br />
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This tool is at the forefront of our service and is the latest and most cutting edge product in property marketing. David Clark TV shows our dedication and commitment to providing the best possible level of customer service. </div>
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This revolutionary marketing tool showcases all of our properties with a high quality virtual tour, and is a method of marketing proven to be 48% more effective than traditional techniques. </div>
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What’s more, you will be able to view these </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigABMc5NudZ5uVFmDLeaevP4MZHggH1fuJs2HxnQEwrgvk8-PSPt5vo48N_EM1N1EieiZ8W5Q1hL-JK1F_6hjWVH0IixedSdGWWNhZTi84C0uduTPIa3c59dF2jSvbFERXMCWIrYGrfRtm/s1600/ipadvid.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigABMc5NudZ5uVFmDLeaevP4MZHggH1fuJs2HxnQEwrgvk8-PSPt5vo48N_EM1N1EieiZ8W5Q1hL-JK1F_6hjWVH0IixedSdGWWNhZTi84C0uduTPIa3c59dF2jSvbFERXMCWIrYGrfRtm/s1600/ipadvid.png" /></a></div>
virtual tours wherever you are and whenever<br />
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you want, as they are accessible from a variety of devices, such as smartphones, tablets and laptops. This means that not only will you be able to search for property on the go, but if you are selling your property, you know it will be receiving maximum exposure and coverage. </div>
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<h3>
<b>“48% more effective than traditional techniques”</b></h3>
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Our online presence is reinforced by our own website, as well as our Facebook and Twitter pages, while you will be able to share virtual tours across a range of social media platforms. </div>
<br />
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On top of our social media presence and our online TV channel, we also give our properties coverage across the major property portals, such as Rightmove and Guildproperty. </div>
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Ensuring that we fully maximise the exposure of our properties, we also provide regular local advertising and national newspaper features through our dedicated PR company who have contacts within The Times and The Telegraph. </div>
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We employ a number of methods to ensure there is no shortage of interest in your property. Our instant email marketing goes out to our client database, who will become aware that your property is on the market. For further exposure, our Fine Homes brand can enhance your marketing, while our centrally located office is easily visible and found.</div>
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Thanks to our membership of the Movewithus network and the Guild of Professional Estate Agents, we can guarantee interest in our properties from over 1000 offices around the country, including a presence in London’s Park Lane thanks to the Guild. </div>
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We make no overblown claims about our market share, sales figures or how </div>
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aggressively we market homes, but more than 50% of our business comes from personal recommendation, showing our continued commitment to provide the best possible property service. </div>
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Visit <b><a href="http://www.clarkhomes.tv/">www.clarkhomes.tv</a> </b>to find out why David Clark TV is changing the way people search for property.</div>
David Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14109683106481828089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083752086627389700.post-83760131896897123152013-10-19T10:56:00.001+01:002013-10-19T10:56:53.203+01:00David Clark and Company partner with Auction House<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzBZ59t4wFzrCyttDHRP87CfUWaIh5GSu5tRH5gSGBq5tcN9tMohk6711T3Hck5ssH9y1O3bo9mSUEpnhp_7HcSi8nbf9REByGWlgqj33DQFCOjoytx_hicIESMOh80ZbSLbneHdp30yK/s1600/NEW+AH+Partner+Agent.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzBZ59t4wFzrCyttDHRP87CfUWaIh5GSu5tRH5gSGBq5tcN9tMohk6711T3Hck5ssH9y1O3bo9mSUEpnhp_7HcSi8nbf9REByGWlgqj33DQFCOjoytx_hicIESMOh80ZbSLbneHdp30yK/s1600/NEW+AH+Partner+Agent.png" height="197" width="200" /></a>Selling a property by
auction is easier than many people think, and the prices that are
achieved are usually higher than expected too. We have become the local
partner agent for Auction House and feel that their experience and
effectiveness in auctioneering coupled with our local knowledge can
create a very effective sales platform for certain types of property.<br />
<div class="grid_16 omega">
<div class="steps-heading">
<strong>Strong regional and national presence.</strong></div>
Auction House is geared up to sell local property to local, regional
and national buyers. We operate over 30 regional auction rooms including
one in Central London.<br />
<div class="italic">
<em>'Local property should always be sold in region by
experts who understand auctions and know the area. They will always do a
better job and get a higher price. I think that is why Auction House is
so successful'</em></div>
</div>
<strong> </strong>
<div class="grid_16 omega">
<strong> </strong>
<div class="steps-heading">
<strong>Market Leaders in many areas.</strong></div>
Auction House operates more auction rooms, has more auctioneers and
holds more auctions than anyone else in the UK. We are already the most
successful, and market leaders in many parts of the country.<br />
<div class="italic">
<em>'National data shows that Auction House sells more
lots and is market leader in several English and Welsh counties
including Cumbria, Yorkshire, Lancashire, Lincolnshire, Cheshire,
Norfolk and Pembrokeshire.'</em></div>
</div>
<div class="grid_16 omega">
<div class="steps-heading">
<strong>Selling locally achieves higher prices.</strong></div>
Everyone selling a property wants to achieve the best possible price
for it. Evidence shows the prices achieved through professionally run
regional auctions is higher than at centralised auctions. Auction House
are the acknowledged experts in the field and a logical first choice. <br />
<div class="italic">
<em>'Property sells for more money closer to home,
which is why everyone appoints local estate agents. The same applies to
selling by auction – choosing a regional auctioneer makes sense and you
will be glad that you did'</em></div>
</div>
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<strong>Our regional auctioneers know your area and visit your property to provide an onsite appraisal.</strong></div>
Sellers need to be very wary of auctioneers who don't attend and
inspect their property before giving advice on Guide Prices and
Reserves. Auction House have auctioneers and valuers in your area who
can meet you at the property, inspect it thoroughly and give you proper
guidance.<br />
<div class="italic">
<em>'I don't see how anyone can know the value of a
property without visiting it, seeing its condition and its surroundings.
Not only that but how can they sell it effectively without knowing the
opportunities that it offers'</em></div>
</div>
<strong> </strong>
<div class="grid_16 omega">
<strong>UK's No.1 Residential Auctioneer and Top 5 Commercial Auctioneer </strong>
Now the largest and most successful auctioneer outside London, with
Sales in 2012 of 2,075 lots and a success rate of 80% - well ahead of
other regional and national auctioneers.<br />
<div class="italic">
<em>'Auction House is the only national auctioneer
with a network of regional auction rooms and the only company running
professional auctions in widespread locations across the country. If you
want to sell your property through a local auction room they are the
natural first choice'</em></div>
</div>
<strong>We are local, well known, trusted and respected in the area. </strong>
<div class="grid_16 omega">
Our auction rooms are run by experienced and successful local
companies. These businesses are already well known and respected in the
area. Our auction teams live locally, know the area, have a wealth of
knowledge and numerous contacts. You can feel reassured and confident
your property is in safe hands.<br />
<div class="italic">
<em>'Not only do they know the area and the local
property market, but Auction House also has an extensive register of
active buyers. These are drawn from both their auction activities and
their estate agency registers. Auction House sells more auction
properties to end users, and local people who improve them for their own
occupation, or as a rental investment.'</em></div>
</div>
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<div class="steps-heading">
<strong>We are consistently more successful than other regional and national auctioneers.</strong></div>
Auction House outperforms other auctioneers, our 2012 success rate of
80% is well ahead of the national auctions average and the results of
most regional auctioneers too.<br />
<div class="italic">
<em>'Anyone thinking of selling by auction needs to
look at success rates. The fact Auction House is amongst the most
successful in the country makes them the obvious first choice in your
area'</em></div>
</div>
<div class="steps-heading">
<strong>Heavyweight well targeted marketing and open house viewings are part of a proven success formula.</strong></div>
Auction House delivers success using a powerful package of local,
regional and national marketing and promotion. We combine our specialist
local knowledge with regional promotion and extensive national brand
publicity to generate more interest and competitive bidding in our
auction rooms. We encourage telephone and proxy bids, and wherever
possible website viewing of our auctions.<br />
If you think you may have a property that would benefit from this
method of sale or need to achieve a secure sale quickly then please call
us initially on 01353 665020 or visit <a href="http://bit.ly/16ZKw5Y" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/16ZKw5Y</a><br />
<br />
<br />David Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14109683106481828089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083752086627389700.post-13247900823356854712013-10-19T10:46:00.000+01:002013-10-19T10:46:22.606+01:00Help to Buy - D C & Co's View!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKMbg4NU6SL0VQJp06eZVxy_q71AU0Ugd3LxwAeGmcA-jgogFfkQjXAgTwaS75NUAH0T7CElBQSycebm0iWvpPpAwNP7vCXtj0rYNy81rzoZlHi4myAoT2K_mcqbRceiffqplog2ALbbv/s1600/H2BUYlogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKMbg4NU6SL0VQJp06eZVxy_q71AU0Ugd3LxwAeGmcA-jgogFfkQjXAgTwaS75NUAH0T7CElBQSycebm0iWvpPpAwNP7vCXtj0rYNy81rzoZlHi4myAoT2K_mcqbRceiffqplog2ALbbv/s1600/H2BUYlogo.jpg" /></a>So what is all the fuss about?<br />
One camp is claiming the creation of a 'House Price Bubble' the other
is saying that many would-be home buyers are going to be disappointed
by the actual implementation of the scheme by lenders.<br />
I have to say I'm with the latter view. Basically the HTB scheme
doesn't put any money in buyers pockets. What it does is for those who
have managed to scrape together 5% of the purchase price it places a
form of guarantee with lenders for another 15% of the loan. This means
that the buyer has to have sufficient income and financial status to
qualify for a loan of that amount. The lender is encouraged to lend more
with the comfort of the UK Taxpayer underwriting 15% of that loan. It
is to be noted that the first banks to confirm they were adopting the
scheme were those still part owned by the state. Were they persuaded by
government? Even with this guarantee the % rate charged is above the
rate that buyers would be charged if they were actually able to place
their own 20% cash deposit.<br />
It is not just the rate charged that will upset the buyers but the
very tight lending criteria. To qualify people will still have to have
good jobs and substantial incomes. One has to ask if you can only stump
up 5% then do you have the right income to qualify for the loan?<br />
If I think back to 1984 when I bought my first house my deposit was
about 10% so 90% loan to value mortgages were not unusual then and I
don't see why they should be now.<br />
Advice is take a look with a good independent financial adviser but
don't get your hopes up that the dream home you promised yourself is
within reach now. Generally, the lenders do not want to see mortgage
costs exceed 55% of your post tax income but they will factor in
potential mortgage rate rises. <br />
Some further reading at the links below:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.helptobuy.org.uk/" target="_blank">http://www.helptobuy.org.uk/</a><br />
<a href="http://on.ft.com/19HV3Bd" target="_blank">http://on.ft.com/19HV3Bd</a><br />
<a href="http://bit.ly/1ekW96L" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/1ekW96L</a><br />
<a href="http://bit.ly/18jM5ss" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/18jM5ss</a><br />
David Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14109683106481828089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4083752086627389700.post-46825650787364518192013-06-04T11:03:00.000+01:002013-06-04T11:03:16.845+01:00£10k refit competition ??I have just returned from hospital having had a procedure carried out on my foot/ankle that involves repairing a damaged tendon and realigning my foot by breaking my heel! While waiting to be called down to theatre I sat in my room checking e-mails - as you do when you want to take your mind off things.<br />
<br />
There was an e-mail from Colin Clayton of Desk Centre Limited <a href="http://www.deskcentre.co.uk/">http://www.deskcentre.co.uk</a> talking about a £10,000 office refit and all I had to do was create a blog post suggesting why my office should be the one to receive it! What an opportunity - here I am laid up for two weeks before I can mobilise on crutches and my office certainly would benefit from a revamp in 2013.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPashRSjx7YjMHaPeCiOYAE5P4Wmqmn2BSqd4YFa13Y3hHxTQe6AF2MVXZGythrr2hJodEqo-9jbN0f5vkvkOZC7P42f9iChZ33INlatwUWm6rH_pPf0SrW-05ummoF32d_NwMywFK_jm6/s1600/foot.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPashRSjx7YjMHaPeCiOYAE5P4Wmqmn2BSqd4YFa13Y3hHxTQe6AF2MVXZGythrr2hJodEqo-9jbN0f5vkvkOZC7P42f9iChZ33INlatwUWm6rH_pPf0SrW-05ummoF32d_NwMywFK_jm6/s1600/foot.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMAdHU25r5UAoTJb9RyLblfwGDleYj7uXNgF1L1jc_ccZG1ahylKkHAPIFnq-QOpp3x_4FI_li0qJUR4YaKYyObR_VG150RjAemhsXRw1vDkR-VehljD4dkdw3DeWQ32rh1eykGwgQc_n/s1600/20+Market+Place_old_reduced.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMAdHU25r5UAoTJb9RyLblfwGDleYj7uXNgF1L1jc_ccZG1ahylKkHAPIFnq-QOpp3x_4FI_li0qJUR4YaKYyObR_VG150RjAemhsXRw1vDkR-VehljD4dkdw3DeWQ32rh1eykGwgQc_n/s1600/20+Market+Place_old_reduced.jpg" height="230" width="320" /></a></div>
Like most surviving, small, independent estate agents we have done this by cutting costs, reducing premises and regrettably letting staff go. Our address used to be 20-22 Market Place but is now 20 Market Place only. We originally moved to No.20 from our first premises in Newnham Street in 1993- my then business partner and I did it on a Friday night with the aid of a borrowed sack barrow! We got some strange looks running along the street with filing cabinets as it must have looked like we'd stolen them!<br />
<br />
We ended up with this aluminium shop-fronted delight which we wall papered to dado height and added a paper border to, in an attempt to style it like a living room.<br />
<br />
Like most estate agents in the mid 90's we got a rush of blood - possibly to the head but at any rate we decided to expand into what was then the launderette next door.<br />
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Vast amounts of cash later we looked very stylish - and big!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ez72O_o0oKf55VIrkOohP9dj_xfRjYsFSVENDdInSp1jlyJGY1GV6xGI55uelwz3w6yHirKvR8V7vnn2nkH8vab9yPnC_s21j4FxreLSByO6vohDb70bKrbItquO32u-7V3RU-CHIZvz/s1600/IMG_7814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ez72O_o0oKf55VIrkOohP9dj_xfRjYsFSVENDdInSp1jlyJGY1GV6xGI55uelwz3w6yHirKvR8V7vnn2nkH8vab9yPnC_s21j4FxreLSByO6vohDb70bKrbItquO32u-7V3RU-CHIZvz/s1600/IMG_7814.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a>The wall paper went and we used MDF with glued on panels to create a service area in the walls for our computer network cables. The shop front became Oak. All was going well but then my business partner and I did what business partners do and split. We became David Clark and Company still in the same big premises but within 2 years the market and the UK's economy took a turn for the worse and I had to look at a fall back position. We fell back into No.20 alone.<br />
<br />
Making the best of a bad job I had some decorating done. The market has been kinder to us over the last couple of years and the people I let No.22 to have hung on in there!<br />
<br />
Staff levels have crept up again but the desks I salvaged were too big so I bought some cheapo smaller ones to get everyone in.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSC9TBjHRWF_akQW_fYCuMUm-D0hWYZCNnjfaZeHR0oFvoAvEkSvBEkbD0S0GNjfdGwhrw3AwVOBi6AXLkglctFIyn75jRanYZ9ei-DXJvv2ack4zVNNystZHR3Qfqv2TTCadzSV-q6qk2/s1600/DC+Office_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSC9TBjHRWF_akQW_fYCuMUm-D0hWYZCNnjfaZeHR0oFvoAvEkSvBEkbD0S0GNjfdGwhrw3AwVOBi6AXLkglctFIyn75jRanYZ9ei-DXJvv2ack4zVNNystZHR3Qfqv2TTCadzSV-q6qk2/s1600/DC+Office_web.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
This is how we look today - bit 'quart in a pint pot' outside and in. The pedestals from the big desks with drawers in had to stay for some people to fit all their paperwork in. Mismatch is probably the word.<br />
<br />
Estate agency is changing and some are trying the on-line route or moving out of the centre of towns. I'm inclined to take a different line. I want my central Market Place premises to be stunning to look at and send out the right impression to the passing hordes of people. Efficiency and friendliness. They may not be buying or selling today but my office needs to be a subliminal message etched into their brains.<br />
<br />
From the outset of the business we've relied on our own interior design skills - no laughter please. I'd now like to let a firm of professionals loose on our not so blank canvas. Whilst life is a little easier we're not rolling in cash and our bigger competitors have upped their game and presence. The whole team would like the lift a re-fit would give.<br />
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Here is the current layout:<br />
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This is an official entry to <a href="http://www.deskcentre.co.uk/" target="_blank">Desk Centre’s £10,000 workspace refit competition</a>.<br />
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<br />David Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14109683106481828089noreply@blogger.com0